The Holy Diocese of Chora: The Akathist Hymn and Holy Vigil in honour of the Most Holy Theotokos

On Friday, 4 April 2025, at the Archdiocesan Church of Our Lady ‘Axion Esti’, in the Holy Diocese of Chora, the Service of the Akathist Hymn was celebrated with particular devotion, as well as a Holy Vigil in honour of the Most Holy Theotokos.

The services were presided over by His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora, who was joined by Father Christodoulos from Mount Athos.

In his sermon, His Grace referred to the Virgin Mary as the Mother of all believers and as a model of obedience and humility, who protects, strengthens and consoles every Christian. At the same time, he urged the faithful to attend the Holy Services of Holy Week and Easter with desire and consistency, not as simple observers but as active members of the Body of Christ, participating essentially in the Passion and Resurrection of the Lord.

The brief homily of Fr. Christodoulos was also moving, as he encouraged the faithful to adhere to the liturgical ethos of the Church, to live in repentance and to consciously experience the spiritual preparation of the days leading to Holy Week.

The chanting for the services was melodiously undertaken by the National Director of the Byzantine Music School of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, Mr. Vaios Anastasopoulos, and the Director of the School in Victoria, Mr. Stylianos Andrews, who were joined by teachers and students of the school, lending particular devotion and magnificence to the Holy Services.

His Grace also conveyed to the congregation the paternal wishes and blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia.